RESIDENTS at the Queen Elizabeth Court care home in Llandudno are among the first in the country to try out cutting edge magic table technology.

The home has installed a magic table, known as a Tovertafel, so that residents can benefit from an abundance of stimulating interactive sensory activities.

Tovertafels are widely established in the Netherlands where the technology was developed, but it is not yet established in the UK. It was developed by a research student who wanted to create something to stimulate activity, physical, mental and social, in people living with moderate to severe dementia, to motivate the mind and inspire people to be active.

The magic table consists of a projector hung from the ceiling that throws interactive, colourful and moving light games onto a table that people can interact and play with. The light games encourage players to reach out towards them and respond to their hand and arm movements, allowing the residents to play with them. For example: they might play with fish swimming across a pond or they can throw a ball for a puppy and it brings it back.

Four people can be around the table at once, which is great for social stimulation. They can work together on a giant jigsaw puzzle, throw a beach ball to one another or even play tennis. The table can also be used to create patterns and artwork.

Julie Roberts, Queen Elizabeth Court’s spokesperson, said: “Our residents love our new magic table. They really do engage with it and it’s wonderful the way it encourages them to be more active. The smiles on their faces say it all.”